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Every interaction I have at UCL I learn something new and I think that’s what makes the community truly so special.
History with a Year Abroad BA
(Year 4)
What attracted you to your programme and studying at UCL?
The UCL History department has critical thinking and analysis at its core which very much resonated with my interest in the contentious nature of causation and consequence, and the relationship between interpretation and fact.
UCL History stood out by its freedom of module selection even at first year – I enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t compulsory to grudge through English history! While that is an option for English history lovers, the department offers an impressive selection of modules from a multitude of time periods and regions.
The Year Abroad option also made UCL very attractive. I’m grateful that after continuing studying French post A-level as an interdepartmental module in my first and second years I was able to study history at the University of Strasbourg all in French. Indeed, the multidisciplinary nature of the university, its intrinsic international flair and the unconventional approach of history at UCL made it all too obvious that UCL was my first choice.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I like to treat Monday-Friday like a working week, so I aim to be on campus latest by 10am and leave around 6pm. During the day I’ll usually have one or two two-hour classes and the rest of the time is spent in the library engaging with the pre-seminar readings, preparing an essay or having quality study breaks by catching up with friends or joining in an activity on campus – there’s always something going on!
Aside from studying, how do you like to spend your time at UCL/in London? Are you involved in any clubs or societies?
After a long hiatus, post primary school dodgeball Daria is back! I absolutely LOVED the game as a child and to see it as an established sports club with its own BUCS competing team, I think is such a testament to the unparalleled variety and wealth of choice of societies at UCL - KCL doesn’t have a dodgeball club :)
I’m also part of the Spanish and Latin American Society which has been such a good, social and fun way to keep up my Spanish. With just a £5 membership fee I’m able to take weekly Spanish classes with native-speaker students as teachers and develop relationships with fellow classmates from across the university – I met one of my closest friends, Jade, at Spanish class in my first year!
What has surprised you most about studying at UCL?
I would say the sheer diversity and internationalism of the university. I’m surprised by how many medical and STEM friends I have! That’s all thanks to the unique multidisciplinary nature and academic interconnectivity at UCL. Also, I feel privileged that I can so casually learn about different ways of life around the world, ask questions and gain insight into so many different cultures and ways of thinking.
I feel like every interaction I have at UCL I learn something new and I think that’s what makes the community truly so special.
What is your favourite thing about studying in London?
I would say that it just seems like everything is at your fingertips. From a history perspective we’re spoilt with museums, artefacts, archives, conferences and exhibitions. Pretty much anything you’d like to do you can find a way and a community to do so.
I also truly love the fact that anytime my niche international low-key artists ever come to Europe – they will usually most definitely make it to London :) It really does feel that London is the epicentre of the world.
Do you have any tips on managing the cost of living in London?
Pack food from home! If you live far from campus / don’t want to interrupt the flow of a university day then I would really recommend bringing your lunch with you – there are microwaves and boiling water taps across campus.
Get a student oyster card for 1/3 off and I’d recommend getting the monthly fixed fee rate for travel, especially if you travel far across zones and want to make the most of London living. The fixed rate makes me feel like I’m fiercely winning against the world’s most expensive transport system!
Also, it’s more than possible to do a part-time job / flexible work. I’d really recommend signing up to Unitemps and the Student Union Jobshop as they offer a mixture of part-time, flexible and odd job work in and around campus.
A big tip is just make the most of freebies and student offers. UNiDAYS and Studentbeans are amazing apps to help with this.
What do you plan to do in the future?
I’ve loved researching, collecting evidence and presenting an argument during my history degree. During my degree I’ve also become drawn to the law world and have been inspired when observing hearings and trials at the Royal Courts of Justice and Old Bailey (very lucky they’re so close by). After I graduate, I hope to pursue the Graduate Diploma in Law conversion.
What advice would you give to other students thinking about studying at UCL?
It’s cliché but I would say – get involved! Don’t be afraid to turn up to things solo because the cool thing about London is that it’s constantly changing with people coming in and out so it doesn’t matter when or how you joined but rather that you are there cherishing the moment and forging new connections. Be the first person to say hi and give a smile – it’ll go a long way!
You’ll do great! You’ll have the best time and there’s a whole community waiting to meet you.